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Bull Bar User Survey Report Prepared For The Australian 4WD Industry Council Australian 4WD Industry Council 4WD Industry Council Suite 16, Building 3, 195 Wellington Road Clayton, Victoria 3168 T 03 9545 3333 F 03 9545 3355 [email protected] www.4wdcouncil.com.au

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Page 1: Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association |

Bull Bar User Survey Report

Prepared For The Australian 4WD Industry Council

Australian 4WD Industry Council

4WD Industry Council Suite 16, Building 3, 195 Wellington Road Clayton, Victoria 3168 T 03 9545 3333 F 03 9545 3355 [email protected] www.4wdcouncil.com.au

Page 2: Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association |

Bull Bar User Survey Report

IntroductionOn January 1, 2011 the Australian 4WD Industry Council launched an on line user survey aimed at gathering

information relating to the experiences of Australian motorists. In particular, the survey was developed to gather

data relating to motorists’ experiences with bull bars and animal strikes.

The survey ran for three months, finishing on March 31, 2011. A total of 42,624 responses were received. Of the

responses received 33,620 surveys were fully completed and 9,004 were partially completed. The data

contained in this report has been compiled from the 33,620 fully completed responses.

Findings1. Vehicle Type

4x4 Station Wagon 4x4 Utility Passenger Car Other

3%4%

34%59%

Australian 4WD Industry Council

Bull Bar User Survey 2011 2

This chart relates to

vehicle type owned by

survey respondents.

Page 3: Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association |

2. Travel Breakdown

3. Bull Bar Fitment Rate

Metropolitan Regional Rural Remote

15%

31%

26%

28%

This chart details the breakdown of

respondents vehicle travel type.

Bull Bar Fitted Bull Bar Not Fitted

10%

90%

This chart details the bull bar fit-

ment rate of respondents at the

time of completing the survey.

Australian 4WD Industry Council

Bull Bar User Survey 2011 3

Page 4: Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association |

4. Reasons For Fitting A Bull Bar

Many respondents detailed other reasons for equipping their vehicle with a bull bar. Examples of such

applications are:

• A-frame towing/fixtures.

• To fit side bars/rails and steps.

• Holding accessories – shovel, water bags.

• Sand/dune flag.

• Locust/grass seed screen.

• Assisting in many jobs – holds surveying equipment, carry building materials, cross country driving research, electrician – attach cables to bull bar for pulling, ladder racks, long pipes, mounting geodetic data capture instruments, needed for mine sites.

• Assisting in fencing – anchor point.

• Farming – cattle lifts, containing wild cattle in a muster, pulling down fences, towing small things around, multiple daily uses.

• Attachment of roller to push kayaks onto roof racks.

• Better approach angle.

• Assisting roof rack extension – carrying long loads, surf skis, hang gliders, tool boxes.

• Connecting boat trailer to front of vehicle.

• CFA communication equipment, fire situations, mounting emergency warning equipment (siren, speaker, warning lights).

• Fitted tow ball to help position trailer/caravan/horse floats.

• Scrub deflection.

• To meet departmental OHS requirements for vehicles.

Bull Bar Usage

Protection From Animal Strikes

Winch Mounting Platform

Other Vehicle Recovery

Auxiliary Lighting Mounting

Communication Equipment Mounting

Other

0 25 50 75 100

11%

80%

84%

50%

58%

98%

Australian 4WD Industry Council

Bull Bar User Survey 2011 4

Page 5: Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association |

5. Animal Strike Rate On Bull Bar Equipped Vehicles In Past Five Years

6. Animal Strike Frequency On Bull Bar Equipped Vehicles In Past Five Years

Had Sustained Animal Strike In Past 5 YearsNo Animal Strikes Sustained In Past 5 Years

27%

73%

This chart details what proportion

of bull bar equipped vehicles had

sustained an animal strike in the

past 5 years.

1-3 Strikes 4 - 6 Strikes 7 -10 Strikes 11 - 20 Strikes21 - 50 Strikes 51-100 Strikes 101 Plus Strikes

2%1%

4%

7%

9%

18%59%

This chart details the frequency of animal

strikes on bull bar equipped vehicles that

had sustained a strike in the past 5

years.

Australian 4WD Industry Council

Bull Bar User Survey 2011 5

Page 6: Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association |

7. Animal Strike Rate On Bull Bar Equipped Vehicles, Prior To The Installation Of The

Bull Bar, In Past Five Years

8. Animal Strike Frequency On Bull Bar Equipped Vehicles, Prior To The Installation

Of The Bull Bar, In Past Five Years

Had Sustained Animal Strike In Past 5 YearsNo Animal Strikes Sustained In Past 5 Years

68%

32%

This chart details what proportion of bull

bar equipped vehicles suffered animal

strikes prior to the installation of the bull

bar.

Relatively low animal strike rates have

been recorded due to many respondents

fitting the bull bar when the vehicle was

new.

1-3 Strikes 4 - 6 Strikes 7 -10 Strikes 11 Plus

4%3%

8%

85%

This chart details the frequency of animal

strikes on bull bar equipped vehicles, that

had sustained a strike in the past 5 years,

prior to the installation of the bull bar .

Animal strike frequency is low in this

category, as it is very common for motor-

ists to fit a bull bar following the first ani-

mal strike.

Australian 4WD Industry Council

Bull Bar User Survey 2011 6

Page 7: Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association |

9. Animal Strike Rate On Vehicles Without A Bull Bar In Past Five Years

10. Animal Strike Frequency On Non Bull Bar Equipped Vehicles In Past Five Years

Had Sustained Animal Strike In Past 5 YearsNo Animal Strikes Sustained In Past 5 Years

56%

44%

This chart details what proportion

of non bull bar equipped vehicles

had sustained an animal strike in

the past 5 years.

1-3 Strikes 4 - 6 Strikes 7 -10 Strikes 11 - 20 Strikes

2%

4%14%

80%

This chart details animal strike

frequency on non bull bar

equipped vehicles that had sus-

tained an animal strike in the past

5 years.

Australian 4WD Industry Council

Bull Bar User Survey 2011 7

Page 8: Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association |

11. Consequence Of Most Severe Animal Strike In Past Five Years - Vehicle Damage

No Damage Minor Damage Major Damage Vehicle Immobilised

25%

50%

75%

100%

Vehicles With Bul l Bars Vehicles Without Bul l Bars

20.4%

0.5%

45.9%

12.1%

29.5%

54.3%

4.2%

33.1%

This graph demonstrates the level of vehicle damage sustained following

the most severe animal strike over the past five years for bull bar and

non bull bar equipped vehicles. In the case of minor damage recorded

on bull bar equipped vehicles, this damage refers to the level of bull bar

damage, with little or no vehicle damage incurred.

Australian 4WD Industry Council

Bull Bar User Survey 2011 8

Page 9: Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association |

12. Consequence Of Most Severe Animal Strike In Past Five Years - Occupant Injury

No Injuries Injuries Sustained

25%

50%

75%

100%

Vehicles With Bul l Bars Vehicles Without Bul l Bars

20.0%

0.7%

80.0%

99.3%

This graph demonstrates the level of occupant injury sustained

following the most severe animal strike over the past five years

for bull bar and non bull bar equipped vehicles.

Australian 4WD Industry Council

Bull Bar User Survey 2011 9

Page 10: Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association |

13. Time Of Day Most Severe Animal Strike Occurred

14. Distance From Comprehensive Medical And Vehicle Repair Services When

Incident Occurred

Dawn Day Dusk Night

27%

44%

15%

14%

This chart details the time of day

that the most severe animal strike

occurred.

Less than 100kms 100-250kms 250-500kms More than 500kms

5%

17%

43%

35%

This chart details the distance from

comprehensive medical and vehi-

cle repair services when the animal

strike occurred.

Australian 4WD Industry Council

Bull Bar User Survey 2011 10

Page 11: Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association |

15. Respondents Views On Whether The Bull Bar Prevented Significant Damage To

The Vehicle

16. Respondents Views On Whether The Bull Bar Prevented Significant Injury To

Vehicle Occupants

Bull Bar Prevented Significant Damage Bull Bar Did Not Prevent Significant Damage

0.4%

99.6%

This chart details respondents

opinions on how the bull bar per-

formed in relation to protecting the

vehicle.

Bull Bar Prevented Significant Injuries Bull Bar Did Not Prevent Significant Injuries

8%

92%

This chart details respondents

opinions on how the bull bar per-

formed in relation to protecting

vehicle occupants from suffering

injuries.

Australian 4WD Industry Council

Bull Bar User Survey 2011 11

Page 12: Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association |

17. Respondents Views On Whether They Would Have Swerved Or Taken Other

Evasive Action If A Bull Bar Had Not Been Fitted

18. Recreational Travel In Australia

Very Likely Likely Unsure Unlikely Very Unlikely

5%

10%

11%

25%

49%

This chart details respondents

opinions on the likelihood of them

taking evasive action, such as

swerving, had their vehicle not had

a bull bar fitted when the animal

strike occurred.

More Than 6 Months 3-6 Months 1-3 Months 2-4 Weeks 1-2 WeeksNever

6%

18%

31%

31%

8%

6%This chart specifies the amount of

time respondents spend in remote

parts of Australia each year spe-

cifically for recreational purposes.

Australian 4WD Industry Council

Bull Bar User Survey 2011 12

Page 13: Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association |

19. Effect On Recreational Travel If Respondents Were Unable To Fit A Bull Bar

20. Respondents Views On Whether Their Safety Would Be Compromised If They

Were Unable To Fit A Bull Bar

Would Not Travel At All Less Likely To Travel No Effect On Travel Frequency

21%

67%

12%

This chart details the effect on

recreational travel, if respondents

were no longer able to equip their

vehicle with a bull bar.

Safety Would Be Compromised Safety Would Not Be Compromised

3%

97%

This chart details respondents

views on how their safety would be

affected if they were unable to

equip their vehicle with a bull bar.

Australian 4WD Industry Council

Bull Bar User Survey 2011 13

Page 14: Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association |

Respondents LocationThe following map charts the location of survey respondents.

Additional CommentsThe majority of survey respondents provided additional information on their experiences with animal strikes, and

also used the survey as a means of voicing their concerns about any legislation that would ban or reduce the

effectiveness of a bull bar. There were far too many additional comments to list in this report. Therefore only a

small selection of comments have been included. Personal details have been withheld for privacy reasons, but

are available from the Australian 4WD Industry Council. A number of respondents also submitted images of their

vehicles following animal strikes, and a selection of these are also included.

Australian 4WD Industry Council

Bull Bar User Survey 2011 14

Page 15: Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association |

If unable to fit bull bar, hence no driving lights, this would make country night driving EXTREMELY fatiguing and I

believe DANGEROUS. If no bull bar and no driving lights are fitted while driving at night in rural areas you will be

guaranteed of eventually striking an animal (my experience while living in East Gippsland has been the above). If

unable to fit a winch, this could make becoming bogged in a remote area a matter of life and death, not to

mention the peace of mind and security it provides. I may live in a semi suburban environment, but often travel

to far East Gippsland at night, and I also travel yearly to remote outback destinations, not to mention numerous

high country trips. The removal of a bull bar would greatly affect safety in undertaking these activities. I have also

in the past had nudge bars on sedans to enable the fitment of driving lights and offer some form of protection.

User ID: 122

I am a grazier in far western Queensland via Boulia. I have a young family who need to travel over 400km to get

food. Anyone who has to drive under these conditions would find it extremely dangerous without a good, strong

bull bar. If my family was to hit a stray animal on a 45 degree day and the car was then disabled, it could be

extremely dangerous for them as cars are not very frequent on these roads. It is nothing less than a matter of

safety. Looking at a European model for bull bars in Australia is insane. 200 years ago Australia adopted

agricultural practices from Europe and it was detrimental to all of Australian regional areas. The point is that we

are total opposites and cannot be compared. User ID: 254

We have been involved in one animal strike and one frontal tree strike (at low speed) in remote areas on our

travels and I am 100% sure that had it not been for our ARB steel front bar that the car (1980 LandCruiser)

would have been almost written off, or at least totally un-drivable, and there would certainly have been injury to

the occupants. As it was, we were able to patch up and drive on with minor damage to the car and ourselves.

We see steel bull bars as a very necessary item on cars that travel in remote or rural areas from mostly a safety

for the occupants point of view. Steel bull bars are much more user friendly nowadays too, with smart designs

to make them less obtrusive and colour coding to make them almost unnoticeable. Thanks for the opportunity

to contribute. User ID: 339

The protection afforded by the bull bar for both animal strikes and mounting of recovery equipment were the

factors considered when making the purchase of a bull bar. If not fitted, this would have an impact on driving

times and areas visited. Also with a pending remote/country posting with work where a personal 4x4 is required,

it is a necessary part of our safety equipment. European standards would not be suitable for driving conditions

or areas travelled in Australia. The European standards are set for vehicles which are used on public highways

and densely populated areas. To follow this standard would impact on road safety and the road death toll.

User ID: 443

Remote outback Australia exposes motorists to some potentially dangerous conditions - livestock on roads due

to the lack of fencing, feral goats, donkeys and pigs to name a few, as well as the setting and rising of the sun

creating glare, bright spots and visibility difficulties, with the additional concern of our native animals moving

about on roadways in the evenings, night and early mornings. I wouldn't risk my family’s safety in remote

locations by not fitting frontal protection to the family vehicle. We have been driving Toyota LandCruisers for the

last fifteen years across the width and breadth of our wonderful country, enjoying its beauty and many wonders.

I hope that my family will not be limited in destination choices due to changes that would alter our future safety

on Aussie roads. User ID: 534

Australian 4WD Industry Council

Bull Bar User Survey 2011 15

Page 16: Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association |

I have travelled extensively in the outback, I am a member of a 4x4 club and we drive with respect to the

environment. The bull bar is not a weapon, but a safety device. I had an experience where, for medical reasons,

I had to drive quickly during the night on an outback track, my big bull bar mounted lights and super attentive

driving saved us from a disastrous impact with kangaroos. The Australian outback is NOT Europe and our 4x4

drivers are not TOP GEAR idiots. Leave the people who use the outback to decide how best to equip their

vehicles to keep themselves safe and be able to get themselves there and back without having to require

assistance. We don't need European city dwellers deciding our safety rules and regulations. User ID: 540

We actually hit a BULL that had escaped out of a paddock at night. Impact speed 80-90km/h. If not for the steel

bar the car would surely have been immobilised. And if the car was a few inches lower I think we would most

likely have been killed as it would have come over the bonnet. I don’t understand this?! It’s like forcing people

not to wear safety boots on a worksite! User ID: 1302

If I had not had a bull bar fitted when the last animal strike happened it would have immobilised the vehicle with

the roo coming through the radiator and disabling the vehicle. Then my family and I would have been stranded

with an unmovable vehicle, 600kms from the nearest town. The bull bar is an essential protection necessity for

my vehicle and my family’s well being. User ID: 1326

I have had two close family friends involved in separate accidents involving animal strikes. The first of which

wrote off the family Commodore and put the mother in hospital when they hit a kangaroo. Due to the shape of

the front end of the vehicle it deflected the roo up into the A-pillar and windscreen. A bull bar would have

prevented such a deflection. The second was an incident involving a stray cow on the road and the vehicle

swerved, lost control and hit a tree on the side of the road. The occupants of the vehicles both sustained

massive head injuries and had extensive stays in hospital. A properly designed bull bar which suits the vehicle

will deflect an animal under the wheels and severely reduce the risk of major injury to the vehicle's occupants.

Maybe tighter manufacturing legislation and better enforcement of fitment policy instead of a blanket ruling

would be more constructive towards road safety in Australia. As Australians we have the right to protect our

families and make our touring adventures as safe as possible. User ID: 1901

I am a retired police officer with 41 years of street experience and have attended thousands of accidents on and

off road. It is my opinion that if a pedestrian were to be hit by my vehicle it would make little difference if a bull

bar were fitted or not. I have seen people’s lives saved by bull bars. Head on collisions with trees etc which

would normally cause considerable damage and injury, but are lessened by strong bull bars being fitted. User

ID: 11961

I have had near strikes with cattle on the road between Exmouth and Coral Bay in Western Australia. Many of

the cattle are black. The cattle farmers in the area have been known to remove the cattle ID and allow them to

roam along the road verges at night. They remove the ID so if there is an accident, they will not be held

accountable. Without a bull bar, more people will die or at the very least suffer serious damage and/or injury with

no-one to be held accountable. User ID: 2045

I am the state manager for a company that deals with the local councils of Queensland. I am regularly travelling

long distances in regional Queensland at dusk and early in the morning. As part of the job safety assessment, it

is recommended that my car be fitted with a bull bar for protection against kangaroos etc as well as providing

mounts for additional lighting. User ID: 34156

Australian 4WD Industry Council

Bull Bar User Survey 2011 16

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I live, geographically, about half way between Alice Springs and Broome. The remoteness of my location means

that an animal strike without a bull bar, in any vehicle, would probably mean the requirement of the Royal Flying

Doctor Service, if and when the accident is found. The blanket banning of bull bars would mean that those of us

who drive only on remote and unsealed roads all the time, have no safety from feral animals and stock. We are

also dependent on our HF and UHF radios for a lot of our communication. The removal of bull bars will also

remove a stable position on vehicles where such communication media can be located. I also have my spotties

on my bull bar, to allow me to see stock, other than kangaroos that suddenly come from nowhere.

User ID: 2046

My son wrote off a two door coupe trying to avoid a kangaroo near Tintinara (SA) some years ago. I have had

several animal strikes and more near misses (that could just as easily have turned into strikes) than I care to

remember, more than five years ago and several near misses within the last 5 years. I'm convinced that one of

those strikes would have severely damaged my vehicle and consequently compromised my wife's life and mine

in a very remote area if no bull bar had been fitted - there was some damage, but vehicle was still mobile. Mind

you, no bar will provide protection if the vehicle hits a camel (and there are more and more of these in remote

areas each year) especially a big bull camel - it will just take their legs out from under them, even at low road

speeds, and the driver and passengers will wear him through the windscreen or on the roof of the vehicle, with

serious, if not fatal consequences. The bonus is they're big, so they can usually be seen and evasive action can

be taken before they become a major problem, and don't tend to behave as unpredictably as some other

animals/birds. Currently allowable bar designs provide little enough protection against wombat or feral pig

strikes as it is - wombats being a frequent and very real concern even west of the River Murray less than 1 ½ hrs

from Adelaide. User ID: 2174

As a paramedic, I'd like to comment on two accidents where Commodore sedans were struck to the side, both

at about 80kph. One was struck by a truck with a bull bar. There was no cabin intrusion, the doors and panels

bent in about 2" and the car was pushed along the road. The bull bar spread the force of the impact across the

width of the sedan. In the other accident, a Commodore struck the side of a Commodore at 80kph. It intruded

over half way into the cabin, obliterating the passenger seat and centre console, then flung out across 3 lanes of

traffic. The T-Bone is the most dangerous impact for a sedan (least protection). The bull bar on the striking

vehicle dissipated the energy over a larger area. To illustrate, it's a bit like being struck with 'X' amount of force -

do you want to be struck by a knife or a phone book? Obviously the phone book, as it spreads the impact over

a larger area. In these scenarios bull bars enhanced passenger safety in the struck vehicle - something that has

not been investigated. User ID: 22901

A bull bar provides me with the assurance that I am not stranded on a remote regional road where there is no

mobile phone coverage. A bull bar means that I don't have costly repairs, insurance excess and the

inconvenience of being without my business work vehicle for long periods. A bull bar means I come home to my

family safely each night. User ID: 40786

My last car was written off by a mob of roos crossing at a blind corner at dawn south east of Pemberton, WA.

My wife died in this collision. I do not care if the Australian government bans bull bars. I will still fit one every

time I buy a new car. I will fit one to cars of all of my children when they are ready to drive. I will tell my friends

and family that they need one. Try and stop me. User ID: 17841

Australian 4WD Industry Council

Bull Bar User Survey 2011 17

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I have trained SES emergency people for over 2 years in Central Vic and bull bars have been proved essential

for their work in rough bush areas to protect the lights, aerials and front of their vehicles. Often they hit bushes

and smaller fallen trees in high grass areas and the lack of protection would lead to expensive bodywork repairs.

The European standard should not be made to apply to Australia as the terrain here is so harsh and different.

My comments above also apply to the Department of Sustainability ranger staff at work in the bush, scientific

workers, research workers, police and farming staff as only some of the rural bush workers. In the early days

when I owned a Holden Saloon and was involved in skiing, I remember seeing many cars severely damaged by

wildlife, in some cases the bones of kangaroos killed in the accident (jumped down from thick brush without

warning) caused serious fatal injuries when they came through the windscreen and "speared" the occupants of

the vehicle. I believe many of those fatalities could have been avoided by bull bars localising the danger to the

front of the vehicle. User ID: 38466

Although I stated in a previous question that there would be 'no effect on travel to remote areas' there would be

an effect on travel outcomes. This would be as a result of increased avoidance of periods of increased risk

(dusk/evening/night time/early morning) resulting in slower travel in fixed time frames, the consequence of this is

reduced tourism due to fixed holiday periods. I am also a licensed amateur radio operator that is a member of

WICEN (Wireless Institute Citizens Emergency Network). This group supports emergency services in times of

natural disaster, like Black Saturday in Vic. Having no bull bar reduces my effective operation in terms of vehicle

protection and as a platform for radio antennas. I know of many other hams who would likely be adversely

affected if bull bars were banned. I guess it's worth remembering that people cause accidents not bull bars!

User ID: 42618

As a Doctor of Physiotherapy, I understand the impact of motor vehicle accidents on drivers and passengers. I

have also experienced the damage Australian animals, primarily kangaroos, can cause to vehicles and more so

the vehicle's occupants when involved in collisions. If bull bars were to be banned in this country, I strongly

believe that drivers would take more extreme evasive steering measures in attempt to avoid animal collisions,

and in turn increase the risk of driving off the road/track. This of course, could lead to more serious side-on

impacts where the vehicles structural integrity is weaker. From an injury perspective, side on impacts can at the

very least cause whiplash injuries (rapid deceleration injuries). Considering the sensitive anatomical structures

within the neck region (e.g. arteries and nerves), side on impacts create a greater injury risk than do head-on

collisions. Whilst I do not have any epidemiological data to support my assumption that a driver is more likely to

steer off course when facing a head-on animal collision and no bull bar, as opposed to having a bull bar fitted to

the vehicle in question, I can say that I have a great deal of anecdotal evidence to support this (i.e. hearing MVA

patients' reports of swerving to avoid animals). Finally, in my experience of dealing with the federal government

in relation to other legislation issues, I have found logical arguments to be the opposite in the government’s

eyes, hence I hope 'they' keep laws designed for European countries in those countries, otherwise they may

one day be pouring salt on the streets of the Gold Coast too. User ID: 318

For the last 25 years I have averaged over 40,000K a year mostly on country roads and mostly for work. Any

one that has ever travelled at night on a country road with roos would not be so stupid as to suggest the

removal of Bars. For my family and own safety I would much prefer to have a solid bar and no airbags when

driving on country roads. My experience has shown this to be the safest combination. User ID: 2717

Australian 4WD Industry Council

Bull Bar User Survey 2011 18

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I was not a great believer in bull bars until the first time I hit a roo. I saw it and I did swerve to get out of the way

and nearly rolled the car (thank goodness nobody was coming the other way or I would have collected them

too). My fault, it was a natural reaction to protect the vehicle. I still hit the roo, went off the side of the road and

did a lot of damage to the vehicle. I then drove into Rockhampton and the vehicle was then classified as a

repairable write-off (thank goodness for insurance, but the inconvenience of not having a vehicle and being

700km from home sucks). My wife had twisted her vertebrate and was hospitalised for a week to recover. When

I got the new car I had a bull bar placed on it and since then I have hit another two roos. I did not swerve due to

confidence I had in the equipment. I have replaced one bull bar due to the damage sustained, but the car was

fine. I am now converted and I will never go back to not having one. Australia will always have wildlife trying to

cross the road. In my opinion, bull bars save lives. User ID: 40006

Whilst my private vehicle is fitted with a bull bar, the fleet of cars at work isn't. Of the 20 passenger vehicles at

the office (based in Hamilton, Western Victoria), there would be at least 5 animal strikes per year (last year

(2010) 5 kangaroos and 1 deer. These vary from minor to major damage depending on how the animal is struck

(i.e. in landing position major damage, if jumping minor due to height of animal onto car) and what evasive

action is taken (depending on time). This has been listed as one of the highest risks due to frequency on our

near miss data base. If bull bars were fitted to those vehicles the damage and possible injury to humans would

be decreased. Unfortunately the animals are hurt either way, but bull bars would decrease the vehicle damage

and provide greater protection. User ID: 5058

I lost my daughter in the accident, authorities say that if we had of had a bull bar fitted the bull would not have

come up over the bonnet and through the windscreen. If they do decide to enforce the "no bull bar policy" I

shudder to think of all the accidents and casualties that will come out of it. So please use common sense

always drive safe and enjoy life to the fullest. User ID: 29282

We live in the Kimberley region of WA and cannot possibly consider not having or removing our bull bar. I can

state that I would not remove this bar and I guess I would get a fine as towing a one ton Kimberley Kamper

Trailer behind a landcruiser and having a roo, pig or let alone a cow hit the front without a bar would be a

disaster. User ID: 531

Banning bull bars will not solve any problems related to safety. If anything, it will increase risk. This is not Europe,

the climate and terrain is far different. Without a bull bar, if you have a significant animal strike that immobilises

the car you not only have the risk of injury to the occupants at the time of the crash, but also increased

likelihood of a severe driving maneuver to avoid the animal thus possibly flipping the vehicle (greater injury to

occupants). And the possibility the people will be stranded in very unforgiving areas. Bull bars are a necessity for

Australian roads, not a nice-to-have. They are expensive accessories that serve a critical safety role, on so many

levels, anywhere, anytime. I travel with my wife and three small kids. I cannot think of anything worse than having

an accident in the outback that immobilised my car because I did not have a bull bar. I would not travel to more

than half the places I go now. User ID: 1328

While on Walkers Crossing Public Access from Birdsville to Innamincka we assisted a vehicle with no front

protection after an animal strike. These people were in a very remote area and not going anywhere too soon

and, in the worst case,could have perished. We managed to do some repairs to get them to Birdsville. I'm sure

that with front protection the damage would have been minimal if any. User ID: 17355

Australian 4WD Industry Council

Bull Bar User Survey 2011 19

Page 20: Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association |

My Wife and I often travel alone, In the past I have had a Red Kangaroo through the windscreen on a vehicle

without a bull bar. There is no mention in the survey of near miss. The bar also ensures my winch is not

protruding and allows on many occasions the ability for self recovery. As a person involved in road accident

rescue I believe we are seeing an over reaction. Their has been little mention of Forward control vehicles, light

trucks (3ton) people movers etc. Onus must also come back to pedestrian. Banning something like this does

not reduce the toll or technically the injuries. If we look at a motorcyclist, they have the freedom to ride and by

law must wear a helmet , yet they can ride in just a pair of shorts. Their injuries actually become more due to

lack of protective clothing. My point is choices. User ID: 3682

My bull bar serves many purposes, not just as a protection against animal strikes. A lot of my ancillary

equipment is attached to this valuable asset and allows me to travel to remote areas without fear of getting

stuck and also allows me to light up large areas of bush whilst driving at nighttime. Recently, I took a short trip

up the coast,(about 110 KM) and counted well over 15 large animals dead on the side of the road (kangaroos

and emus). Without bull bar protection, these animals would inflict major damage to a vehicle and possibly inflict

injury to the occupants. Without a bull bar, you are more likely to swerve to avoid the collision thus putting

yourself and your passengers at risk. Australian conditions are different to Europe and their vehicle regulations

have no bearing or make any sense in this harsh country. Leave the 4WD community alone and stop over

regulating everything. Any government that tries to stop my enjoyment of driving in the bush will lose my vote.

User ID: 735

1995 Land Rover Defender - no bull bar: I hit a large kangaroo at 80km/hr just outside of Mittagong. Vehicle

sustained major structural damage to the front, windscreen and roof from kangaroo impacting the front and

rolling over the bonnet and into the windscreen. Vehicle was a write-off. Passenger received facial wounds from

broken glass. I the driver received deep lacerations to my fingers and knuckles from broken glass. The kangaroo

ended up wedged in the windscreen between the roof and bonnet. Although the kangaroo was killed on impact

it's nerves were still causing it to kick it's legs quite violently. Luckily the legs were not inside the vehicle. Since

this incident I have purchased a Land Rover County fitted with a 1980's ARB steel bull bar. I have hit 2

kangaroos and 1 wallaby, with the worst incident being on the remote Oodnadatta track, South Australia, where

a large male was struck also at roughly 80km/hr. Evasive action would have been dangerous on such a rough

road with heavily loaded vehicle, so I hit the animal head on relying upon my bull bar to deflect the animal. Minor

damage occurred to bull bar, but NO damage occurred to vehicle. Without the bull bar I am positive that major

damage would have occurred to the front of the vehicle, immobilising it, or worse. Although I live in the city,

during my holidays I travel into rural NSW where I help manage a beef cattle farm, and I also do quite a lot of

remote travelling. User ID: 2823

My mother swerved to miss a cow and now she can barely walk due to her injuries. Everyone knows that if you

swerve you are probably going to roll your car. If you are going to hit an animal, you want a bull bar then its all

about slowing down and hitting it in the right time and or spot of your bar. User ID: 21716

Travelling on country roads with a caravan in tow makes it difficult for drivers to avoid kangaroos and cattle so

bull bars give some protection to the vehicle and its occupants. The problem in the city is not the bull bars - it's

the drivers and pedestrians. Australia presents a totally different set of conditions to Europe where such devices

are probably of little use anyway. User ID: 70

Australian 4WD Industry Council

Bull Bar User Survey 2011 20

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Australian 4WD Industry Council

Bull Bar User Survey 2011 21

User ID: 13504 User ID: 29694 User ID: 25818

User ID: 10101User ID: 6960

User ID: 19723 User ID: 25035 User ID: 26941

User ID: 31162

User ID: 38296

User ID: 6859 User ID: 8215

Images of respondents vehicles following animal strikes

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Printed in Australia